Double-dipping continues, increases after ban

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A new law is doing little to keep New Jersey lawmakers from doubling up their elected duties and the salaries and benefits that go with them.

Since Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed a ban on dual-office holding in September, the number of lawmakers who hold more than one office has actually increased -- from 17 to 19 -- according to a report by The Star-Ledger of Newark.

That's because a grandfather clause allows any lawmaker holding two offices as of Feb. 1 to keep both. Several new legislators who won their seats in November decided to keep their local posts while they still could.

Republicans say the ban was weak and disingenuous. Corzine also wanted a stronger ban.

With the law now in place, the number of dual-officeholders can only decline. For now, nearly one in six lawmakers still holds another elected office.

According to The Star-Ledger, 10 state lawmakers are also serving as mayors; three are county freeholders; and five hold positions on town or city councils.